Down but Not Out

Brothers and sisters: We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. (2 Corinthians 4:7)

At times, you feel like God is hitting over your head with a solid two by four. Yep! You are right because you are, after all, only “earthen vessels”, subject to be broken. And the truth is none of us are immune to suffering. However, what Apostle Paul says in this passage is that even though he and his fellow evangelizers are afflicted, perplexed, persecuted, and truck down but they are not abandoned or driven to despair or destroyed because God was with them, giving them power to endure all things. Everything is ordered for their benefit. If we keep our eye fix on Jesus, “we are down but not out!”

What areas of your life that are afflicted, perplexed, persecuted, struck down…?

Talk to Jesus about your sufferings.

O Christ Jesus, when all is darkness and we feel our weakness and helplessness, give us the sense of Your presence, Your love, and Your strength. Help us to have perfect trust in Your protecting love and strengthening power, so that nothing may frighten or worry us, for, living close to You, we shall see Your hand, Your purpose, Your will through all things. (Prayer for Trust by St. Ignatius of Loyola, 1491-1556)

O Blessed Mother Mary, You endured much pain and suffering being the Mother of Jesus Christ, help us to persevere like You. Hail Mary full of grace…

Peace in Christ,
Father Vincent-Vuong Nguyen